There are a multitude of questions being asked
about the difference between the RA-1 and the new
R-888.

Our company was the very first company to sell the
RA-1 in the U.S.A.back in 1992. In fact we were the
company that originally tested a prototype RA-1
that allowed TOYO the feedback necessary to
commit the RA-1 to the USA market. Thus, we have
a bit of experience with the RA-1 tire!

The greatest difference between the RA-1 and the
R-888 is the tires construction. The R-888 is an all
new design both in tread and construction.

The most obvious difference being the tread
pattern and molded tread depth. The R-888
grooves are molded to 6/32nds of an inch. Whereas
the RA-1 grooves are staggard with the inner
grooves at 8/32nds of an inch and the outer most
grooves at 6/32nds. Additionally the R-888 has less
and larger tread blocks to promote a quicker
steering response and better mid-corner grip at full
tread depth. This especially helps the street track
day vehicles who wish to drive to the track, use the
same tires for a day of fast lapping on the track and
still drive home with a true DOT tire!

It should be noted that shaving a R-888 due to the
wider grooves will not ceate a 'slick tire' as in the
case of shaving a RA-1 to below 4/32nds. The R-
888 when shaved to a low 2/32nds will not become
a virtual slick tire but will continue to have wide rain
grooves.

The wider grooves on the R-888 does enhance the
wet weather performance of the tire and has proven
superior in the wet than the RA-1.
However, WE believe that the R-888 should be used
at a higher pressure in the rain and the dry than the
RA-1 due to the design of the R-888.

To maximize the performance of the R-888 over the
RA-1, on ALL race cars and especially Front wheel
drive RACE cars and Spec Miata's: The camber,
toe, tire pressure and even the driving technique
must be modified to obtain the maximum
performance from this all new tire.

HOWEVER, you will find the R-888 will have
excellent grip and performance with the SAME
settings as you used with the RA-1 tires, IF you car
is a rear wheel drive car!

-- Front wheel
and all wheel drive cars MUST change the
camber/air pressure/toe settings for the R-888!--

But, if you use the original RA-1 settings for your
rear wheel drive car you will not see an increase in
performance and could see a decrease in tire life
over the RA-1 tires.

The R-888 with the stiffer sidewall and softer
undertread construction requires a bit less initial
camber settings and WE BELIEVE increased (over
the Ra-1) starting and 'HOT' tire pressures to
provide a longer lasting and more consistent
experience.
Or you can run very well with your original camber
settings and by simply increasing your STARTING
pressure.

A performance gain may be experienced by using
low starting pressures in the 24-28lb range.
However, if when using this low 'starting pressure'
you experience a tire that is good for only 3-4 laps
and it then falls off it is highly recommended to
begin and end with a much higher pressure.
Most Spec Miata's and E-30 series cars
have found success by starting with 38-40lbs of air
pressure and ending with 43-47lbs of air pressure!

This will be hard for you to believe, but the higher
hot or ending tire pressure WILL provide you with
BETTER tire wear. Yes, yes I know this
doesn't make any sense whatsoever. But, just TRY
IT! And you'll see what I mean.

** Canada finds an increase in pressure from
starting to hot of 10-12 lbs acceptable. Howeveer,
it has been our experience that if the pressure
should increase more than 10 lbs from start to hot
one should start with a higher pressure. We've
found that a 8 to 10 lb. increase from starting to hot
pressure is best.

OPTIMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE
194F to 230F
176F is minimum, 194F-230F is optimum, 284F is
maximum so says TOYO Canada! So you're not
even in the operational range people.
_____________________________________________<
BR>
In Canada they recommend using LESS CAMBER
than with the old Ra-1.
In Canada they recommend driving with LESS SLIP
ANGLE than with the old Ra-1 tires.
By design the R-888 promotes higher levels of grip
under braking and at mid-corner.

So, if
you simply switch a RA-1 for a R-888 without
changing your chassis set-up please don't expect
your car to rotate in at mid-corner without taking
camber out of the rear suspension settings.

Furthermore, a bit less camber in the rear will aid
turn-in and an increase in starting and operating
pressure of the R-888 over the RA-1 will aid in
overall tire life.

In addition, a proper break in of the R-888 tires will
increase tire life substantually. Simply use one
session to bring the tires up to operating tempature
then let them sit overnight or longer. This will
increase tire life for any tire.

At the higher pressure the R-888 is a VERY
comfortable tire to drive quickly. Low pressures will
cause an unstable feeling. Keep this in mind.

WE CAN HELP!
A.I.M. has an all new RACE CAR chassis
alignment/corner weight facility to 'dial in' your race
car like never before!

Located here at Infineon Raceway, across from the
AIM shop we have teamed with the very capable
TIM BARBER, renown Championship
winning race driver and chassis guru. Tim also
provides personal coaching on the track or in a
high-tech simulator to further enhance your driving
experience and winning percentage!

CALL AHEAD for an appointment, you
will not be disappointed with the performance
gained from someone who knows how race cars
SHOULD handle.